You know that sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach when you know you've forgotten something really important but can't seem to remember what? I experienced that exact feeling halfway up the coast to San Francisco on Wednesday followed quickly but the realization that I had forgotten my camera at home. (insert moment of silence) I was on my way to a city I've never explored, to attend a blogger conference, and I was without my camera to document it! Sheer panic, nausea, and utter frustration with myself quickly set in and lasted for the remaining three plus hours of torturous car ride to the city.
I won't deny the fact that I sulked around San Francisco that first day, taking in the beautiful views and snapping pathetic little shots with my iPhone camera. The photos are good and all but something about seeing the city through the little lens of a cell phone just doesn't seem to do it justice. On our car ride home I sat for a few minutes scrolling through my iPhone pics. There they were, little glimpses of our trip, the conference, the friends I met, food I ate, and sites I saw; when something dawned on me. Maybe not having my camera was a good thing. For once my trip was about experiencing the city in person instead of trying to capture every moment. Do you ever feel like taking photos gets in the way of experiencing a place in person? Maybe it was good for me to forget my camera. I left San Francisco with a few dozen photos versus a few hundred and a whole lot more memories spent simply enjoying the moment. Isn't it good to occasionally unplug? Although I'm sure I'll never leave my camera behind again!
Here they are, glimpses of our trip via iPhone...
I met up with friends, attended Alt Summit & Partied (Mad Hatter Style) at the Pinterest Headquarters.
Ate my weight in Chinese food on multiple occasions.
Finally experienced Bi-Rite Creamery in person which totally lived up to my expectations....and visited the Farmer's Market which blew my mind.
Geeked out over the incredible variety of mushrooms at Far West Fungi in the Ferry Building and brought a basket of fresh morels home with me. I can't wait to cook them!
Took a beautiful (and windy) ferry ride to Sausalito.
Drooled over all of the incredible pastries at Craftsman & Wolves and tasted The Rebel Within muffin for myself. Yes that's a soft cooked egg in that middle of that breakfast muffin.
...and we missed the city almost as soon as we left. I can't wait to go back!
Lucky for me, Alt captured a few moments from my weekend as well. Like hanging at the Pinterest party with my sweet friend Stacy and chatting it up with fellow bloggers at the Bing dinner (below). It was an unforgettable weekend!
Check you the entire gallery on Fickr // photos by Alt Summit
Michelepratadesignerlifestyle says
Stupendous! Love your vision of San Francisco....one of the most romantic cities in the world.....you captured a fun glimpse!
Chelsea says
The trip looks like such a blast Leah! I definitely understand what you mean about unplugging. I always feel like I'm seeing a whole trip through my camera's viewfinder, which doesn't make for very soul-impacting experiences. It's nice to leave that little guy home sometimes!
xoxo,
Chelsea & The City
Joy Uyeno (@frockfiles) says
I'm so impressed with the iPhone photos you captured! When I was at Alt in SLC, I had a hard time taking any photos because I was so overwhelmed by everything anyway. But I know that dreaded feeling very well, forgetful girl that I am. And I agree that sometimes life is better experienced without a lens in hand. And at risk of being sappy, this all reminds me of that old John Mayer song 3 x 5 (remember, before he got a little weird?): "Didn't have a camera by my side this time / Hoping I would see the world through both my eyes."
Hannah says
Looks so fun! I love green on you -- so your color.
Champagne Lifestyle on a Beer Budget
Anouska says
Awesome Leah! I'm glad you had fun.
Jessica says
You did a great job without your camera. I had mine with and just never took it out. I was too busy chatting with people and exploring the city. I think I took around 10 photos including the lovely mushroom stand and our Sausalito fairy ride. So great meeting you!
Cassie says
So much fun!! My fiance and I are traveling through Northern California for our honeymoon in October and we are starting the trip with 2 days in San Francisco!! All of your photos on Instagram and this blog post makes me even more excited. Looks amazing!
Christine says
I have been purposely leaving my dslr at home for vacations for this very reason! Sometimes it's nice to just step back and enjoy (or take iPhone photos, cause who am I kidding, it HAS to be documented!).
Your photos are amazing, looks like an awesome trip!
Freutcake says
Thanks Christine! Yes, sometimes a big-old-camera just gets in the way. It's much easier to enjoy a place when you're not worried about capturing every moment of it. But seriously...when do I EVER not take at least a dozen pictures even if they are only on my iphone.
kelsey says
so so pretty! 🙂
kw ladies in navy
Court | love court xoxo says
I was just having a conversation with my fiancé the other day how sometimes I feel like I don't fully take an experience in because I am too busy trying to look for a good picture. So we decided not leave our camera at home when we are going to meetings for our wedding, and it has been so nice!..but like you, I am not sure if I am ready to commit to not taking pictures everywhere 😉
Freutcake says
I know exactly what you mean! It's so hard to put the camera or iphone down. I need to get better about that! I know my husband would appreciate it.
Danie Nordahl says
I completely understand what you're saying. With the rise of social media and since I've been blogging, sometimes I feel I only see things through a lens. My first thought isn't, wow, this is great, it's wow, this will be a great photo to tweet/Instagram/post. It's hard finding that sweet spot of being able to just enjoy and document and share.
xo,
Danie
P.S. The iPhone pics are still pretty great!
http://www.danienordahl.com
Freutcake says
I couldn't agree more! Social media and blogging for me have made me see my experiences differently. Sometimes I need to just step back for a minute and enjoy the moment without sharing it!
Christine | Life in a Dress says
It was great meeting you at Alt. Everything you did in SF are all of my favorite things to do on the weekends! It's a really wonderful city isn't it?
Freutcake says
Hi Christine. It was great meeting you at Alt as well! I am already missing San Francisco. It really is such a great place to be!